Third Wheel - Easier With Nothing
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Tony Piscotti may only be a few years into the solo singer/songwriter realm, but he is no stranger to crafting infectious melodies and beautifully simplistic acoustic guitar-driven pieces of art. Tony's first notoriety came as half the nucleus of the much-acclaimed indie band Rain Merchants while attending college on the plains of Central Illinois some years back. Rain Merchants combined Tony's acoustic guitar and songwriting prowess with the unparalleled stage presence of Hedy Burress, who later went on to fame in the acting environs of Hollywood, California. As Hedy pursued a lucrative film and television career Tony turned inward in order to hone his songwriting skills.
Traveling to kinder his inspiration took him to Portland Oregon, Los Angeles and eventually back to his native Chicago where he reentered the music scene as a sideman with former Rain Merchants band mate Joe Armstrong and his new band. Splitting his time between his sideman duties and performing in various acoustic duo combinations allowed Tony to pen a set of intimate, catchy and confident songs that is currently available in a collection entitled Soapbox Parade on Chicago's Greentown Records (Pied Cow Music-ASCAP).
Around the centerpiece of Piscotti's compositions are performances by some amazing guest musicians, including producer/guitarist Joe Armstrong, actress Hedy Burress on vocals, Jason Upchurch on electric and upright basses, Daryl Coutts of the RONNIE BAKER BROOKS BAND on Hammond organ, Michael Babincak (formerly of the JOE ARMSTRONG BAND) on electric guitar, Greg Fundis & Matt Katzfey from 56 HOPE ROAD on drums/percussion and many more!
Soapbox Parade showcases Tony's unique ability to readily combine such diverse instrumentation as strings, accordion, mandolin along with clever folk and rock arrangements in a way that speaks directly to the listener's soul. The sincere and accessible feel of Tony Piscotti's Soapbox Parade will ensure that he and his unique musical voice will not be unknown for long.
"Eloquent and groovin' folk with amazing musicianship."
—Derek Sivers, president, CD Baby
"I love the arrangements on this CD...this is a very well done record!"
—John Lefler, Dashboard Confessional guitarist
"...Piscotti lavishly arranges his record with the sort of perfectionism that is often left to the masters of the recording industry."
— Smother.net CD Review
It will stay for years in your 5-disc changer!
"...an excellent album that you will enjoy from the first chord to the last reverberation. Tony's songs are unique — both in sound and in thought. Buy it, and prepare yourself for a wonderful experience."neat folk rock from Tony and guests...
"...nice mixture of acoustics, organ, strings and female voices as well as good singing from Tony, who proves himself an excellent songwriter and arranger...Highly recommended."I can't get enough of this CD!!!
"...like a favorite novel you reread again and again. Piscotti has a great talent for poetic lyrics and really knows how to write melody lines that make the lyrics come alive...never trying to be edgy for the sake of being trendy, there's nothing forced. It's just great to listen to!"UBER.
"...Piscotti really knows how to write smart (and sometimes breathtaking) songs. Soapbox Parade is a mighty piece of work, and I look forward to the next effort. We need more craftsmen like Piscotti in this world."It's pure in its sincerity and fun as hell in its sound."
"...Far from sappy, too cool for bitter, this singer/songwriter sentimentality holds the music up as a rockin good megaphone to blast these heartfelt lyrics and smooth voice through. Buy this CD!"